Monday dribble: WNBA Finals a NBA lockout remedy for fans?

You’re mopping. Today was the scheduled opening day of the NBA and instead of players filming jumbotron skits and talking about how this is their year to win a championship, they’re partying in New York, signing mega overseas contracts, playing charity games or doing odd jobs to keep busy (former Sonic Delonte West delivering furniture?).
What’s a hoop fan to do? There’s no replacing the NBA, won’t even try. But for dazzling basketball, I suggest the WNBA Finals. Minnesota defeated Atlanta 88-74 in Game 1 of the best-of-five series on Sunday and Game 2 is Wednesday at 5 p.m. PDT on ESPN2.
No one in this series is Kobe, but Lynx rookie Maya Moore was dubbed the female Jordan by Jordan and the women can shoot the three-pointer like Ray Allen. Plus, after taking this quiz, you might find out you’re more a fan than originally thought.
A record 15,258 attended Game 1 at the Target Center, which was second-largest in Lynx history. Probably more than who actually showed for the Timberwolves’ play last season. But we won’t pitch one by digging at the other.
Just check it out. Unlike during the NFL strike, the NBA lockout does offer a pro basketball alternative. The league has been running for 15 years and despite the Storm winning two titles and the Phoenix-Indiana series in 2009 being the highest rated, the Dream-Lynx may be the most entertaining in WNBA history.
“Our timing is very good,” said Lynx owner Glen Taylor, who also owns the Timberwolves, in the Pioneer-Press. “People always want to come to something that’s successful, and other teams are struggling now.”
If nothing else, the WNBA Finals, which could end Friday, will pass the time between NBA owner-player meetings and the start of college hoops.
Here’s some video of Minnesota celebrating after the win with the Sugarhill Gang. It’s a tradition to dance to the song after victories at the Target Center. The organization finagled a way for the hip-hop group to perform at halftime of the Finals.

About Women’s Hoops

Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!" You can email Jayda or follow her on Twitter.